I’m TIRED! I don’t know about you, but I’m also tired of being tired! I couldn’t stay up and watch the game last night, which I guess ended at around 1:45 am. You could possibly argue that last night’s game was delayed by rain and didn’t get started until 10 pm.
Sure, that’s true. But still, these games start too late. But I wonder, how many folks have tuned out because of the start time?
Mr Selig, do you want more people to watch baseball?
Then, may I suggest an earlier start time?
With that being said, Tampa Bay lost last night and the series is now 2 – 1, in favor of Philadelphia. I really feel that if Tampa Bay wants to win the championship, they MUST win tonight!
So, the World Series is underway… (Philadelphia won, if you hadn’t heard) … and I’m realizing that the end of baseball this year is just a few short days away. It hardly seems possible. Honestly, it seems as if the season began just a few short days ago! You too, huh?
So, much like a squirrel preparing for the winter, burying his nuts, I’m getting ready for the off – season by pulling out some classic baseball broadcasts, looking over stats to games that I went to this year, and looking forward to the changes that will be made on the Tiger’s staff.
The obvious addition is that of Rick Knapp. He’s the new pitching coach, replacing Chuck Hernandez. I don’t know much about him, but I’ve seen some of his work. He was the minor league pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins!
An article I read recently spoke of Tampa Bay’s Matt Garza, a prodigy of Knapp’s.
“If I can make Garza like this guy, this will be pretty exciting, they’re both tall, thin, athletic, [have a] power fastball with the power curve ball. I know Matt was an extremely driven individual. He was a man on a mission from the first day. There was no going to be no denying him. You could see that from the very first day.”
The “this guy” he spoke of was Justin Verlander. Unfortunately, Justin went on to his worst season in the bigs, while Garza had an outstanding year. Maybe 2009 will be a better year for Verlander now.
I really like what I’ve heard from him so far. He wants to develop a back to basics kind of attitude with the pitchers. You know, first pitch strikes, location of pitches and getting ahead in the count, etc. It’s something I felt we lacked and I’m glad to see a coach brought on board that gets it. I thought we coddled to personality issues and confidence problems more than we should have.
The only drawback that is being put out there is his lack of big league experience. I pray that’s not a real problem. His words and previous 12 years with the Twins organization are giving me hope for next year.
I was disappointed in myself yesterday. Here were the Tampa Bay Rays, with a great baseball story and the Boston Red Sox, who have become this generation’s version of the New York Yankees. Then, there I was yesterday, commenting that “I’m not really rooting for anyone.”
Look, I’m a baseball guy. I love this game. I really respect the stories of the players and teams. I enjoy hearing them, telling them, AND pulling for the guys whose careers tell the stories. In addition to the game itself, those stories are what baseball and life itself are all about.
Then, why wasn’t I able to “root” for anyone last night? I wish I had an answer. I really do!
Is it because I’d seen the Red Sox play in the post season? Is it because Tampa Bay has no real name players on their team? I don’t know.
So, here I was watching the game and along about the 5Th inning, it hit me! No, it wasn’t an answer to my internal struggles, but the pulling spirit within that reached out and touched me!
I began cheering on the Rays. Matt Garza was pitching a brilliant ballgame and I was hooked on every hurl to the plate. I moaned when a batter reached base. I was feeling good and pumping my fist with every out.
“Six outs to go, and the Rays will go to the World Series!” The guys on TBS were counting it down! I was, too!
Yes, finally I was in!
You guys got me. In the final four innings last night, you made me into a true believer.
Great game! Congratulations to the new AL Champs! They really do deserve the title and they deserve my respect. It may have come around late, but they now have it! They’ve earned it.
I was out at the bar last night with some friends, hanging out and watching the Red Wings and of course, the baseball game. It kind of seems like the Rays are on the verge of collapsing and going home. Was Thursday night’s eighth inning the beginning of the end for Tampa Bay?
Last night the Red Sox forced a game 7 in the 2008 ALCS. When we wake up tomorrow morning, we’ll know who will play the Phil’s in the World Series.
I’m not really rooting for any particular team tonight. I just want to watch a good ball game. I don’t want it to be a blow-out. Keep it close guys. Keep my attention! If I’m going to have to stay up late again, tomorrow I want to say that my tired eyes were but a small price to pay for a good game!
Here are the match-ups – BOS Jon Lester; TBR Matt Garza Game time is at 8:07 ET.
I’ll tell ya, a day without baseball is like a day without.. well… like a day without baseball! I’m literally going through withdrawals.
I NEED A GAME!
My MLB Extra Innings channels, the ones I find all kinds of cozy comfort from when I turn to them, are now hyping hockey on the the ninth — I’m a Red Wings fan… so, it’s OK…
BUT, I NEED A GAME! A BASEBALL GAME!
Last night I watched a little bit of the presidential debate – same ol’ stuff I’ve heard a thousand times – BORING! That wasn’t doing it for me. Then, I picked up a book. Yes! A baseball connection… A Stephen King book. I know it’s a stretch but, ya know… Red Sox – Stephen King – Baseball.
Anyways, I had begun reading his book entitled Duma Key a few weeks ago. I don’t want to play the role of spoiler, so I won’t tell you much about the book. I couldn’t tell you much anyhow. I’ve only read a couple of chapters. But, the reviews have been really favorable. A friend who has read it said it’s King at his best! And, I’ll say, I’m hooked!
Briefly, it’s about a guy who has everything going for him and in the blink of an eye, after a horrific accident, his life is tragically changed.
I once read a pretty good definition of his stuff… it’s usually extraordinary things that happen to ordinary people!
How true!
I found a long time ago that Stephen King movies are enjoyable — but to really get something out of his work, you have to read the book! I’ll get a few more pages in tonight. It’ll take my mind off the lack of a play at the plate or a ground out to short.
Once the ALCS/NLCS starts, it’ll be a few weeks before I can pick it again!
I really should be more prepared for the off season though. I’ll work on it!
TIGER STADIUM
The fate of Tiger Stadium is again up in the air. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy group has been given an extension by the Detroit City Council. They now have until Friday to come up with $219,000! If they don’t – then the remaining portion of the stadium will come down.
The Conservancy has had some issues getting the money it needs. Until recently, the voice of the Tigers, Ernie Harwell, was originally a member of this group. Health concerns for his wife, LuLu, have forced him to resign. Monies that were raised – totaling around $500,000 – had to returned to donors. The group now estimates that it has about 150,000 dollars… far short of the amount it needs to hold off the demolition.
The group wants to create a museum out of the infeld portion that’s left, a restaurant and an exhibition area.
WHERE’S THE REST OF ME?
I’m reminded of the old Ronald Reagan movie, King’s Row. In the movie, Reagan falls under the wheels of a train. His legs are maliciously amputated by a surgeon with a grudge! When he wakes up, he realizes that his legs are gone. He sharply cries out, “Where’s the rest of me?” If the ghosts that inhabit Tiger Stadium could speak to us, they might say the same thing.
It’s sad to see only a small portion of it remaining. At this point, I think the rest should come down. The essence of what it was, has already been destroyed by the bulldozers. We’ve said our good-byes and now it’s time to let the rest of it go. The memories are still within each of us who went to games there. No one can take that away. The field IS hallowed ground, and hopefully time will be kind to Michigan and Trumbull.
Someone remarked recently about ball players and the habit they have of spitting. This person asked us to imagine the great amount of champion DNA that must be imbedded in that ground! Honestly, think about that! One hundred years of iconic players! One hundred years of spit! That has to account for something.
I’d hate like hell to see it become a weed infested eyesore, like so many other parts of the city. A field or park where the kids can play ball would be nice. Let them learn the game of baseball on the same field on which Ty Cobb stood. Let them hit balls in the same field that Hank Greenberg did. I’d just want the area to be honored and treated well.
We have held on as long as we could and now, it’s OK to say so long to our dear friend at the Corner. Thanks for the memories!
The match-ups are now set! Too bad for Skipstradamus, though! He was 50/50 on his predictions. I figured he’d have done better than that! Oh well!
Thursday night the NLCS gets underway with The Dodgers and Phillies going at it in Philadelphia.
Then on Friday, it’s the ALCS between the Red Sox and Tampa Bay in St Petersburg.
With the current match-ups, I’d look forward to a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series. True, Tampa Bay is a good story, but I’ve got a feeling that they’re gonna feel the weight of things and it’ll take it’s toll!
I’ll eat my Dodger’s hat if I’m wrong and my Tigers hat for desert!
BRINKMAN DIES
Former Detroit Tiger shortstop Eddie Brinkman passed away last week at the age of 66. He played four seasons with Detroit from 1971 – 1974. He came to us from Washington along with Joe Coleman and Aurelio Rodriguez for Denny McClain. Brinkman won a Gold Glove in 1972. That same year he was named Tiger of the Year despite a .203 batting Average and was an All Star in 1973. He was simply one of the best gloves we had at short.
The Phillies dealt the death blow to Milwaukee yesterday afternoon. Milwaukee was sent packing after a 6 – 2 loss. It was a game that saw Pat Burrell homer twice along with efforts by Jayson Werth and Jimmie Rollins.
Prince Fielder finally got a hit… a homer. But… too little – too late!
The Phillies will now face the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday. As you know, the Dodgers are my adopted team. So…
GO DODGERS!
The Angels finally won in 12 innings! Woo Hoo! I stayed up last night as long as I could… through 11 innings of the ball game. As much as I wanted to see it through to the end, my eyes had other plans. Mike Napoli’s two shots were a definitely a highlight. The first one over the green monster in left! The second homer – a solo shot. The pitching match-up between Jon Papelbon and K-Rod really took things to another level!
Playoff baseball! I don’t think that I have any nails left on my fingers!
And, the White Sox have made it to Game 4 after completing a 5 – 3 win over Tampa Bay!
PLAYOFFS CONTINUE
I’m still hoping for a freeway series… LAD VS LAA! It can still happen if the Angels can take two more from the Red Sox.
But, first we’ll see what happens to the White Sox at 5:07 ET. It’s Sonnanstine against Floyd.
Then, at 8:37 ET John Lackey squares off against Jon Lester. This is one of the most exciting matchups yet!! Remember, Lackey nearly no hit the Red Sox back in July. Yes, I remember well. I had David Ortiz in my MLB Fantasy Beat The Streak that night! I wanted to see a no hitter and yet, I would welcome the chance to see Ortiz get a hit. Strange, I know! As it turned out, the no no was broken up in the ninth and Ortiz DID get another at bat — he flied out to left! Yes, I was a little disappointed.
The Dodgers beat the Keystone Cubs last night to advance to the NLCS! The Cubs continued their hapless play into the deciding game 3. They managed to score only six runs throughout this series. The starting pitching couldn’t get it done! Their defense was terrible, too! There were six errors in 3 games!
Holy Crap! How’d they expect to win that way??
I expected the Dodgers to win this series, but I really expected the Cubbies to present a more formidable challenge.
PLAYOFFS CONTINUE TODAY
PHI VS MIL 1:07 ET Joe Blanton squares off against Jeff Suppan. Phillies lead the series 2 – 1 — after getting a game 3 victory last night in Milwaukee.
TAM VS CWS 4:07 ET The Rays will send Matt Garza out. The White Sox, hoping that they won’t be the second Chicago team to get swept, send John Danks to the mound!
LAA VS BOS 7:27 ET The Angels will try to fend off the Red Sox In Fenway to stay alive. Look for Joe Saunders for LA and Josh Beckett for the BoSox!
I don’t think anyone could have foreseen that there would be four teams on the verge of advancing to ALCS/NLCS this early on!
Here’s what things look like so far!
TBR leads CHW 2 – 0
BOS leads LAA 2 – 0
PHI leads MIL 2 – 0
LAD leads CHC 2 – 0
It’s very possible that each team could sweep their opponent!
WOW!
Skipstradamus predicted that the Angels would sweep the Red Sox this year (in a playoff payback!) — but never imagined every match-up being where it is right now!
The Angels looked like they might be able to do it when they tied the game last night, only to have the effort erased by a JD Drew home run in the ninth off of closer Frankie Rodgriguez.
What happened?
This was the team with the best record in baseball! The series now heads to Boston, and I think it’s unlikely that the Angels will win in Fenway!
Looking out of place this year, the White Sox with a total of 12 men left on base lost 6 – 2 — despite racking up 12 hits! They had a difficult time taking advantage of scoring opportunities amid a shaky start by Rays starter Kazmir.
And, really looking out of sorts are the Cubbies! After the game 2 debacle, you can call them the Keystone Cops of the Northside!
And, that’ll bring us to tonight’s match-ups! It’s all National League!
Phillies and Brewers play in Miller Park beginning at 6:30 with Dave Bush for the Brew-Crew and Jamie Moyer for the Phil’s!
In Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers are sending Hiroki Kuroda out to face Rich Harden. Skipstradamus predicted a Los Angeles win in 5 — but it looks, more and more, like tonight will be the night for Joe Torre, Manny and the rest of the Blue Crew!
I wonder what Hank Steinbrenner is thinking on this day, as he watches from the sidelines!
In the year 2008, many happily enjoy hoagies well into the next arena;
The storm brews in the west. Hurtling white missles will leave many from the east in tears;
The past victors of eighty-eight dodge laboriously past the awakened, formidable bear;
While the new ones fall; triumphant are them who stand tall in the windy city!
The above Skipstradamus quatrain was recently found in a cave in a small Spanish town. It’s authenticity has not yet been verified, but the predictions contained within were too important to be witheld from the baseball public!
GAME RESULTS!
Skipstradamus isn’t doing too badly so far, ya know?
Here’s the latest tally…
TBR powered to their first post season win! 6 – 4 TBR lead series 1 – 0
MIL loses another to PHI 5 – 2 PHI leads series 2 – 0
LAD beat the CHC again! LAD leads series 2 – 0
TODAY’S GAMES
Post season action continues Friday night! Game 1 is Tampa Bay and the White Sox! Chicago is still looking for their first victory in the ALDS! Game time is 6 ET!
It’ll be Buerle VS Kazmir.
The only other game on the schedule tonight — BoSox at the Angels at 9:30 ET.
Skip's Tigers Blog 
